Avoid Being Homesick At College!

I can't believe I'm writing this from my new dorm! I've been in college for two weeks now, and my emotions have been all over the place. I'm having tons of fun, but let's be honest — homesickness is unavoidable. Even after meeting dozens of kids through sorority recruitment and classes, the initial loneliness of college life still hasn't entirely faded.

The key? Distraction. Fill up your schedule — sorority events have been my social lifesaver — and you'll have less time to miss your favorite restaurant or cats (don't judge me). I bought an adorable planner, and marking the dates of football games and Homecoming Week has made me more excited for my time here at school than to go home for Thanksgiving break.

As for stay-in nights, my biggest tip for combating homesickness is to avoid Facebook! I left for college before most of my friends, and seeing pictures of them hanging out was super depressing. Don't torture yourself! Read a book, kick it old school with 'NSYNC, or attempt yoga — whatever it takes to prevent that annoying thought of "I wonder what they're doing back home."

Texting friends and family might be comforting, but staying too connected with your pre-college life can worsen homesickness and keep you from truly adjusting to college. It's tough, but I try to keep my phone away during the day so I can make friends to talk to in-person, instead of through a screen!

I hope your first weeks back at school are amazing — and remember that everybody feels homesick at some point!

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